GMail activates free SMS to Philippines via Gmail Chat

The Search giant has finally unveiled to Pinoys the free sms feature inside Gmail - the well accepted free email service amongst technophiles.

Reality check, Gmail is not that well-known in the Philippines compared to Yahoo as a free email provider. It's not my intent to convince Pinoys in switching to Gmail but i think it's never too late to say it once and for all. I wouldn't list down here the benefits of using Gmail but if Yahoo aficionados would be missing the YM just so they want to switch, there's Chat built in to Gmail or Gtalk, & would suffice enough for the need of instant messaging.


With the current release of free SMS form  from Gmail, which is being integrated in Chat/Gtalk, i found is it sweet and so approachable. A Gmail user can have 50 max allowable sms, compatible with Globe, Sun Cellular and Smart networks. What's more? If the recipient replies using his mobile phone (regardless of network), he can only get a 1 Peso deduction from his current balance. Not bad eh? compared to YM's on mobile, a single reply from Yahoo Messenger thru mobile's sms is 2.50 pesos.
Another great thing in stored on this Gmail SMS is that you can replenish the allowable 50 sms whenever the recipient replies to your text message with 5 free SMS back.


 Usage wise, you will find the SEND SMS feat from your left side bar, type in the supported mobile # just like +63917XXXXXXX, hit enter and you're on your way for free texting.

By the time, you want to write your Text Message / SMS, it will get integrated into the chat window, which looks like this:

Methinks that this is one of Google's strategic approach so they could give a bang in amplifying the use of Gmail among Filipinos. It's no denying that we are the world's SMS capital, that way, we will get to use and get familiarized with Google's services, leading for the adaptation of Google+, the newest social network which is giving a real threat to Facebook.

MAC